William Howard Taft National Historic Site


High atop one of Cincinnati's most prominent hilltops stands the two-story Greek Revival house where William Howard Taft was born and grew up. Hard work, a good education, and an interest in civic duty are attributes that made the Taft family outstanding leaders over the years. The environment that shaped Taft's character and philosophy is highlighted on a visit to the site.

From I-71 north; Take Exit 2 (Reading Road and Eden Park Drive). Stay in right lane; turn left at first stoplight onto Dorchester Avenue, and go to the top of the hill. Turn right on Auburn Avenue and go 1 ½ blocks to the site. Park will be on the right. From I-71S, take Exit 3 (Taft Road). Follow Taft Road westbound. Go 0.75 mile to Auburn Avenue. Turn left and go 0.5 mile to the site. Park will be on the left.

  • Food
  • Dining
  • Guided Tours
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Park Film
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

  • Birthplace
  • Presidents

The Taft Family Home in Summer

A yellow two-story brick building with tall windows and green shutters on them

The Taft Family Home showing the lower-level entrance on the side and the main entrance on the front

Taft Education Center

A tan and brick sided building with a corner entrance featuring tall glass windows and doors.

The main entrance lobby to the Taft Education Center.

Taft Home and Taft Education Center

A yellow building to the right with a red brick sidewalk leading to a tan and red building

The walkway leading to and from the Taft Education Center and Taft Home.

Bookstore Area

A lobby area with red and white square tiles and two people standing at a counter with a ranger.

The main entrance lobby to the Taft Education Center greets visitors when they arrive.

Charlie Taft Display

A sitting model of an older man in a vest, shirt and pants next to a replica of a car & canoe on top

The Charlie Taft animatronic display inside of the Taft Education Center.

Shadowboxes

Several small and medium-sized glass-covered boxes with different displays inside of them on a wall

The shadowbox display of the Taft Legacy inside of the Taft Education Center.

Bookstore Area

Several books and gift items arranged in rows on slotted walls

The small bookstore inside the Taft Education Center offers visitors a chance to purchase souvenirs while at the park

Taft Education Center interpretive displays

Tall display columns arranged in rows inside of a large room with photos and text on them.

The main interpretive display area inside of the Taft Education Center.

Taft home display

A room inside of a house showing two portraits of men and a fireplace on a wall between two windows.

One of the rooms inside of the Taft home with portrait displays of William Howard Taft and Alphonso Taft.

Interpretive Exhibits inside of the Taft home

A large room with individual columns of artifacts and display items in the center and wall displays

A room in the Taft home with exhibits focusing on Taft's tenure as President.

Swearing in bible

A large open book on display in a glass-enclosed case.

The bible that was used for Taft's Presidential swearing in ceremony in 1909 and again in 1921 as Supreme Court Chief Justice.

Taft's crib

A dark wooden baby crib with wooden spindles sits inside of a bedroom.

The crib used by William Howard Taft when he was a baby.